About This Festival

The Daviess County Turkey Trot, held in Montgomery, Indiana at Montgomery Ruritan Park from September 4-7, 2025, is a vibrant four-day festival known for its unique turkey races alongside a variety of live entertainment and activities including rides, tractor pulls, mud volleyball, a beer garden, and a demolition derby. The event is family-friendly, with handicapped accessibility, and charges admission for entry.

The festival atmosphere is energetic and festive, combining rural community charm with lively country music performances, traditional fair attractions, and locally popular sporting events that create a warm, community-centric vibe. The surrounding area of Montgomery is rural South Central Indiana, characterized by scenic farmland and small-town hospitality, contributing to the event’s welcoming ambiance.

History and Founding

The 2025 event marks the 54th Annual Montgomery Turkey Trot Festival, indicating it was founded around 1971. It has grown into a cherished local tradition organized by the Montgomery Ruritan Club, known for fostering community spirit and celebration in Daviess County.

Main Activities and Schedule Highlights

  • Turkey Races: A signature, quirky highlight where live turkeys race, providing entertainment for both kids and adults.

  • Live Music: The festival features a strong lineup of country music artists:

    • Friday, Sept 5: Bryan Martin, a rising country star famous for “We Ride,” headlines the evening concert from 8-10 PM, followed by the band “she” performing in the beer garden.

    • Saturday, Sept 6: Country legends Shenandoah, known for classics like “Next to You, Next to Me,” headline the main stage. The beer garden hosts “That 90’s Band” for a lively 90s music atmosphere.

  • Rides and Carnival Attractions: Family-friendly rides add to the fair-like environment.

  • Tractor Pulls: Hosted by the Southern Indiana Farm Stock Pullers Association, with events such as Farm Stock Tractor Pulls and truck class competitions starting on Thursday evening (September 4) at 6:45 PM.

  • Mud Volleyball: Active recreational games engage visitors in playful competition.

  • Beer Garden: Offers adult guests a relaxed space for music and socializing with local craft and standard beers.

  • Demolition Derby: A highlight event showcasing motor sports excitement where participant vehicles crash in controlled competition.

  • Fireworks Show: A spectacular display accentuates the festival’s closing evenings.

Venue and Facilities

Montgomery Ruritan Park, located at 6907 E Park Road in Montgomery, serves as the main venue, providing ample outdoor space suitable for large crowds and multiple simultaneous events. The park offers accessible facilities, parking, and a rural backdrop perfect for this community festival.

This event is a unique blend of small-town Americana, lively entertainment, and rural traditions, making it a popular fall gathering in Daviess County that celebrates both its agricultural roots and love of country music.